Table-utensil clamp



Jan. 21, 1930. QTTMANN 1,744,669 7 TABLE UTENSIL CLAN? Filed Dec. 7. 1928 Patented Jan. 21, 1930 BEIGE UT'EEZANN, 501E WEILBURG-ON-TEE-IAHN, GERM TABLEUTENSIL cram Application filed Decembei 2', 1928. Serial at. 324,570.

This invention relates to an improvement in clamps designed more particularly for use in connection with tableware and serving the purpose of removably clamping an indi- 5 vidual article of such ware to the support on sition on the support against casual displacement, the article-engaging members being relatively adjustable on the'ring and independently adjustable to accommodate articles of different heights.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view showing the attachment in use for securing a plate against casual displacement. V

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same.

Figure 3 is an enlarged detail, partlyin section, illustrating more particularly the con struction and operation of the article-engaging members.

The improved clamp includes a ring-like member a of appropriate diameter having lateral terminals formed to provide spring cli s a and so positioned as to engage the edge 0 a support, here shown as a tablet, so as to removably clamp the ring a in position to be above-the surface. of such table. If desired and as preferred, a brace f may connect the spring clips at their upper portions to maintain them in relatively rigid relation.

The ring is provided at appropriate intervals with article-engaging members including a rod is having an eye 9 to more'or less snugly embrace the ring a, the rod having an upper headed terminal 72 Securedon the rod is a plate 72 below which there is slidably arranged on the rod a similar plate 6 a spring 0 being arranged between the plates 6 and b and, tensioned to normally urge the plate 6 from plate 6 A hook-like member (Z has its shank fixed in the plate 6 and slidably mounted in an opening in the plate 6 In use, the article, such as a saucer or plate 0, is positioned within the ring a after the latter has been clamped to the table, tray or other support. The article-holding means adjustedto any relative positions on the ring a are then operated by raising the hook d and correspondingly raising the plate 6 against the tensionv of the spring e, until the bill of the hook can be engaged over the edge of the article 0. On release of thehook, the spring 0 6 moves the plate and thereb the hook downwardly to cause the bill of t 1e hook to clamp 'on the edge'of the article a.

The various article-engaging members may be soadjusted on the ring as to prevent any casual displacement of the article without, however, interfering with a spoon 0r other utensil in connection with the article.

The device as a Whole readily lends itself to clamping any utensil on the support and is particularly adapted for holding plates, saucers, and the like to be used by' small children in order to prevent the article from being shifted during use, with the liability of falling from the support. What is claimed to be new is:

1. A holding clamp for tableware and the like, including a ring, spring elips carried by the ring to engage the edge of a support and position the ring above the support, and article-engaging members carried by the ring to engage the edges of an article positioned within the ring, said article-engaging membersincluding a bar mov'ably engagingthe ring. a plate fixed on the bar, a superimposed plate movable on the bar, a spring arranged between the plates, and a hook carried by one plate and slidably engaging theother plate.

2. A holding clamp for tableware and the like, including a ring, means for securing said ring to a support and to position said ring above said support, article enga 'ng members carried by the ring, said memi ers including a bar terminating in a hook at one 5 end and being headed at the other, said hook engaging the ring, a plate fixed to said bar just below said headed end, a second plate movable on said bar and positioned below said first mentioned plate, a spring carried 10 between said plates to normally force them apart, and a hook secured to said movable plate and slidably engaging said fixed plate. In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

ERICH OTTMANN. 

